The Assassin’s Creed franchise has always been celebrated for its intricate storytelling and attention to historical detail. With Ubisoft's launch of Discovery Tours, a groundbreaking educational feature, the series transcended its roots as an action-adventure game. First introduced in 2018 with Assassin’s Creed Origins, Discovery Tours strip away traditional gameplay mechanics like combat and stealth, transforming the richly detailed game worlds into interactive museums. These modes emphasize exploration, education, and cultural understanding, offering a unique perspective on ancient civilizations.
Over three iterations—Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Viking Age—Discovery Tours have created immersive, educational experiences that are as captivating as they are informative. Designed with input from historians and archaeologists, these tours showcase Ubisoft’s commitment to delivering historically accurate and visually stunning content.
Whether you’re a gamer, a history enthusiast, or an educator looking for innovative teaching tools, Discovery Tours provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore the past. This article delves deeply into each version, highlights gameplay mechanics, and evaluates the impact of this revolutionary mode.
Introduction to Assassin’s Creed Discovery Tours
The concept of Discovery Tours emerged as Ubisoft realized the potential of its detailed historical worlds to serve a purpose beyond entertainment. The environments in Assassin’s Creed Origins were so meticulously crafted that players often spent hours exploring, marveling at the authenticity of ancient Egypt. Ubisoft saw an opportunity to repurpose these environments into something educational. By removing combat and narrative elements, they created a mode that allows users to focus entirely on learning and exploration.
The first Discovery Tour was introduced in 2018 as a free update for Assassin’s Creed Origins. Its success spurred Ubisoft to develop subsequent versions: Ancient Greece in 2019 and Viking Age in 2021. These tours are now also available as standalone experiences, making them accessible to non-gamers and educators alike.
Each Discovery Tour is meticulously researched, with input from scholars, archaeologists, and cultural experts. The guided tours, supported by visuals powered by Ubisoft’s Anvil Engine, provide an immersive learning experience that bridges the gap between traditional education and interactive technology.
Discovery Tour: Ancient Egypt
The Discovery Tour: Ancient Egypt, released alongside Assassin’s Creed Origins in 2018, marked a transformative moment in educational gaming. Set during the Ptolemaic period, this version explores one of history’s most iconic civilizations. From the sprawling sands of the Sahara to the bustling streets of Alexandria, players can delve into the rich culture, politics, and daily life of ancient Egypt.
Key Features and Highlights
- Monumental Achievements: Guided tours provide detailed insights into the construction of the Great Pyramids, exploring the engineering techniques and labor systems that made these wonders possible.
- Religion and Mythology: Players can visit temples dedicated to gods like Ra and Isis, learning about their significance and the rituals performed in their honor.
- Life Along the Nile: The game highlights the vital role of the Nile River, showcasing its impact on agriculture, trade, and transportation.
A Comprehensive Look at Egyptian Society
This version excels in its ability to present both the grandeur of monumental achievements and the intricacies of everyday life. Players can explore bustling markets, observe craftsmen at work, and learn about the roles of women and children in Egyptian society.
Visual and Technical Excellence
The Anvil Engine brings ancient Egypt to life with breathtaking detail. From the golden hues of the desert to the intricate carvings on temple walls, every aspect of the environment feels authentic. The vivid recreation of Alexandria, complete with its iconic lighthouse and library, stands out as a visual masterpiece.
Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece
Building on the success of its predecessor, Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece was released in 2019 with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. This version transports players to the Classical Greek period, a time of great intellectual and cultural achievements. By exploring landmarks such as the Parthenon and the Oracle of Delphi, players gain a deeper understanding of one of the most influential civilizations in history.
Exploration Highlights
- Philosophical Traditions: Tours delve into the teachings of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, examining their contributions to ethics, politics, and science.
- Democratic Innovations: Players can learn about the origins of democracy in Athens, from the voting process to the role of citizens in shaping policy.
- Mythology and Legend: Greek myths come to life as players visit sacred sites dedicated to gods like Zeus, Athena, and Apollo.
Balancing History and Myth
What sets Ancient Greece apart is its ability to blend factual history with the allure of mythology. Players can explore the realities of Greek life while immersing themselves in the stories that shaped the culture, such as the Twelve Labors of Heracles or the Trojan War.
Stunning Visuals and Immersion
The recreation of Greece’s landscapes is nothing short of breathtaking. From the towering columns of the Parthenon to the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, the visuals transport players into a world that feels both grand and intimate. The Agora of Athens, with its vibrant market stalls and public debates, is particularly captivating.
Discovery Tour: Viking Age
The most recent addition to the series, Discovery Tour: Viking Age, debuted in 2021 with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. This version focuses on the Norse people and their impact on medieval England. Players can explore the rugged landscapes of Scandinavia, learn about Viking mythology, and understand the complexities of Viking expansion.
Key Topics Explored
- Viking Settlements: Tours provide insights into how Viking communities were organized, highlighting the craftsmanship behind longhouses, ships, and tools.
- Norse Beliefs: Players can delve into the mythology surrounding gods like Odin, Thor, and Freyja, as well as concepts like Valhalla and Ragnarok.
- Impact on England: The tours examine the cultural and political influence of Viking settlers on medieval England, exploring themes like trade, conquest, and assimilation.
Interactive Learning
Unlike earlier versions, Viking Age incorporates more interactive elements, such as quizzes and reconstructed artifacts. These additions enhance engagement and make learning more dynamic.
Visual and Cultural Depth
The Anvil Engine once again delivers stunning visuals, from the fjords of Norway to the rolling hills of England. The intricate details of Viking longships, combined with the atmospheric lighting and weather effects, create an unparalleled sense of immersion.
Gameplay Mechanics
How It Works
Each Discovery Tour is built around guided tours that cover a range of topics, such as architecture, religion, and daily life. Players can explore these topics at their own pace, using markers to navigate between points of interest.
- Narrated Tours: Each stop on a tour is accompanied by detailed narration, providing historical context and insights.
- Artifacts and Models: Players can interact with 3D models of artifacts, such as tools, weapons, and religious icons, to gain a deeper understanding of their significance.
Gamified Features
The success of Assassin’s Creed Discovery Tours has opened the door for other developers to explore gamified learning in new and exciting ways. The potential for future iterations of the series is vast, with opportunities to explore other historical settings, such as:
- Renaissance Italy: A deeper dive into the art, science, and politics of this transformative era.
- Feudal Japan: Exploring samurai culture, architecture, and the influence of Zen Buddhism.
- The Industrial Revolution: Showcasing the impact of technological innovation on society and the environment.
Ubisoft has hinted at expanding the series, which could further cement its role as a leader in educational gaming.
Educational Value
Accuracy and Collaboration
Ubisoft worked closely with historians and archaeologists to ensure the authenticity of the content. The guided tours are meticulously researched, making them valuable resources for educators and history enthusiasts.
Classroom Integration
Discovery Tours have been adopted by schools and museums worldwide. Their engaging visuals and interactive elements make them ideal for teaching history in an innovative way.
Accessibility
The standalone versions, with their simplified interfaces and intuitive controls, make Discovery Tours accessible to non-gamers and younger audiences.
Legacy and Influence of Assassin’s Creed Discovery Tours
The release of Assassin’s Creed Discovery Tours was a turning point in how video games are perceived as educational tools. While video games have historically been seen as a form of entertainment, the Discovery Tour series redefined what gaming could achieve in education. By blending historical accuracy with immersive technology, Ubisoft demonstrated that video games could be just as impactful as traditional methods like documentaries, museum exhibits, or history textbooks.
How Discovery Tours Shaped Educational Gaming
The critical and commercial success of Discovery Tour: Ancient Egypt set a precedent for future educational gaming endeavors. It proved that:
- Gamified Learning Works: Engaging visuals, interactivity, and a structured narrative make learning more accessible and enjoyable.
- Broader Accessibility is Key: The decision to release standalone versions opened up the tours to non-gamers, expanding their audience to classrooms, museums, and libraries.
- Collaboration with Experts Matters: Ubisoft’s reliance on historians and archaeologists established a gold standard for accuracy, ensuring the tours were not only engaging but also reliable.
Integration in Classrooms and Museums
Educators worldwide have adopted Discovery Tours as a tool to teach history in more engaging ways. Testimonials from teachers highlight how students retain more information when they explore the past interactively. Some museums have also used the tours as part of exhibits, projecting virtual recreations of ancient settings to immerse visitors.
Long-Term Impact
Discovery Tours have inspired other developers to explore gamified learning. Titles like Minecraft: Education Edition and Kerbal Space Program have followed similar paths, combining interactive experiences with educational goals. Ubisoft has shown that video games are not just a pastime but a powerful medium for knowledge transfer.
Standalone Version Use Cases
The decision to release standalone versions of Discovery Tours was a game-changer, making them accessible to a wider audience beyond traditional gamers. These versions cater to various use cases, including education, personal enrichment, and institutional learning.
In Classrooms
Teachers often use standalone Discovery Tours to:
- Introduce students to historical periods in a visually engaging way.
- Supplement traditional lessons with immersive experiences.
- Encourage collaborative learning by having students discuss their discoveries.
For example, a history teacher might use Ancient Greece to show how Athenian democracy worked or Viking Age to explore Norse mythology and its cultural significance.
In Museums
Museums have begun incorporating Discovery Tours into exhibits, using the game’s visuals to complement artifacts on display. For instance:
- A museum hosting an exhibit on Egypt might project scenes from Discovery Tour: Ancient Egypt to help visitors visualize pyramid construction or daily life along the Nile.
- The interactive elements of the standalone versions allow visitors to explore specific topics, such as mummification or Greek architecture, at their own pace.
Personal Learning and Enrichment
Standalone Discovery Tours also appeal to individuals seeking self-directed learning. History enthusiasts can explore ancient civilizations without needing gaming expertise, thanks to simplified controls and intuitive navigation.
Corporate and Academic Use
Institutions outside of education have also recognized the value of Discovery Tours. Some universities have incorporated them into courses on ancient history, while corporate workshops use them as examples of innovative learning tools.
Comparisons with Other Educational Games
Assassin’s Creed Discovery Tours stand out among educational games, but they are not alone in the field. Comparing them with other popular educational tools highlights their strengths and unique qualities.
Discovery Tours vs. Minecraft: Education Edition
- Visual Fidelity: While Minecraft: Education Edition emphasizes creativity, its blocky graphics cannot match the stunning realism of Discovery Tours, powered by the Anvil Engine.
- Educational Scope: Minecraft focuses on a broad range of subjects (e.g., coding, science), whereas Discovery Tours focus exclusively on history.
- Engagement: Discovery Tours excel in immersion, offering a narrative-driven experience that Minecraft lacks in its sandbox approach.
Discovery Tours vs. Google Earth VR
- Interactivity: Google Earth VR offers incredible geographical exploration but lacks the depth of curated educational content found in Discovery Tours.
- Customization: Discovery Tours provide interactive models, quizzes, and guided narration, making them better suited for structured learning.
- Audience: While Google Earth VR appeals to geography enthusiasts, Discovery Tours cater to history lovers and educators.
Discovery Tours vs. Civilization VI
- Accuracy: While Civilization VI teaches players about historical progression, it includes fictional elements for gameplay purposes. Discovery Tours, on the other hand, strive for complete historical accuracy.
- Immersion: Discovery Tours offer first-person exploration of historical worlds, whereas Civilization VI takes a top-down strategic approach.
System Requirements
Minimum
- OS: Windows 7 or later.
- Processor: Intel Core i5-2400 or AMD FX-6350.
- Memory: 8 GB RAM.
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 660 or AMD R9 270.
Recommended
- OS: Windows 10.
- Processor: Intel Core i7-3770 or AMD FX-8350.
- Memory: 8 GB RAM.
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 970 or AMD R9 290X.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stunning visuals that bring history to life.
- Rich educational content vetted by experts.
- Accessible to non-gamers through standalone versions.
Cons
- Limited interactivity in earlier versions.
- Slower pacing may not appeal to younger audiences.
Game Details
- Genre: Educational, historical simulation.
- Release Years:
- Discovery Tour: Ancient Egypt – 2018
- Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece – 2019
- Discovery Tour: Viking Age – 2021
- Platforms: PC (standalone), available as part of Assassin's Creed Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla.
- Age Rating: Suitable for ages 10+ (educational content, mild historical themes).
- Game Mode Accessibility: Single-player, offline exploration.
- Pricing Model: Free with the corresponding Assassin’s Creed games or available as paid standalone versions.
- Developer and Publisher: Ubisoft.
- Game Engine: Ubisoft’s proprietary Anvil Engine.
- Awards and Nominations:
- Games for Change Award (2018) – Recognized for educational innovation.
- Historical Association’s Teaching Award – Praised for bringing history to life.
- Steam Education Award Nomination – Acknowledged for advancing gamified learning.
Our Rating
- Gameplay: 8/10 – Focused on exploration and education.
- Graphics: 9.5/10 – Visually stunning recreations of historical settings.
- Educational Value: 10/10 – Sets a new standard for learning through gaming.
- Replayability: 8.5/10 – Worth revisiting for new insights.
- Overall: 9/10 – A groundbreaking tool for education and exploration.
Assassin’s Creed Discovery Tours redefine educational gaming, offering a unique blend of learning and entertainment. With their immersive environments and rich historical content, these tours are a must-explore for anyone passionate about history.